Operator's Manual
32cc/1.9 cu.in. 2-Cycle
GASOLINE BRUSHWAOKER ®
Model No.
358.795810
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
• Espar_ol, p. 22
DANGER:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use of this product.
For answers to your questions about this product:
Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon.-Sat., or 10 am-7 pm, Sun.
1-800-235-5878 _Hoo_slisted are Centrat Time)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
545082944 9/12/06
Warranty Statement 2 Storage 16
Identification of Symbols 2 Troubleshooting Table 17
Safety Rules 3 Emissions Statement 18
Assembly 5
Operation 9 Parts List 20
Maintenance 14 Spanish 22
Service & Adjustments 15 Parts and Ordering Back Cover
TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ® GAS BRUSHWACKER ®
When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, if this product fails
due to a defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date of pur-
chase, return it to any Sears store, Sears Service Center, or other Craftsman outlet in
the United States for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
This warranty excludes cutting line, blade, spark plug and air filter, which are ex-
pendable parts that can wear out from normal use in less than one year.
This warranty applies for only 30 days from purchase date if this product is used
for commercial or rental purposes.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
WARNING! This trimmer
can be dangerous! Careless or
improper use can cause
serious or even fatal injury.
Always wear appropriate hearing protection, eye protection and head
protection,
Read and understand the
operator's manual before
using the trimmer.
mlWARNING: When using garden-
ing appliances, basic safety precautions
must always be followed to reduce the
risk of fire and serious injury.
,_ DANGER: This power tool can
be dangerous! This unit can cause se-
rious injury including amputation or
blindness to the operator and others.
The warnings and safety instructions
in this manual must be followed to pro-
vide reasonable safety and efficiency
in using the unit. The operator is re-
sponsible for following the warnings
and instructions in this manual and on
the unit. Read the entire operator's
manual before assembling and using
the unit! Restrict the use of this unit to
persons who read, understand, and
follow the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the unit. Never al-
low children to operate this unit.
a_'WARNING: Hazard zone for
thrown objects. Blade/trimmer line can
throw objects violently. Others can be
blinded or injured. Keep people and
animals 50 feet (15 meters) away.
dZone
'_0kWARNING: Do not use trimmer
head as a fastening device for the
blade.
OPERATOR'S SAFETY INFORMATION
MANUAL ON THE UNIT
DANGER: Blade can thrust vio-
lently away from material it does not
cut. Blade thrust can cause amputa-
tion of arms or legs. Keep people and
animals 50 feet (15 meters) away.
_WARNING: Trimmer line can
throw objects violently. You and others
can be blinded or injured. Wear safety
glasses and leg protection.
ALWAYS WEAR:
Eye@
Protection
|9
• • Leg Guards
Boots _
_,WARNING: The blade continues
to spin after the throttle is released or,
engine is turned off. The coasting blade
can throw objects or seriously cut if ac-
cidentally touched. Stop the blade by
contacting the right hand side of the
coasting blade with material already cut.
S_°PeC_ySt'onrgact _.
with cut mater_
OPERATOR SAFETY
• Dress properly. Always wear safety
glasses or similar eye protection when
operating, or performing maintenance
on your unit. (Safety glasses are
available.) Eye protection should be
marked Z87.
• Always wear face or dust mask if op-
eration is dusty.
• Always wear heavy, long pants, long
sleeves, boots, and gloves. Wearing
safety leg guards is recommended.
• Always wear foot protection. Do not
go barefoot or wear sandals.
3
• Securehairaboveshoulderlength.
Secureorremovelooseclothingand
jewelryorclothingwithlooselyhang-
ingties,straps,tassels,etc.Theycan
becaughtinmovingparts.
• Beingfullycoveredalsohelpsprotect
youfromdebrisandpiecesoftoxic
plantsthrownbyspinningline/blade.
• StayAlert.Donotoperateunitwhen
youaretired,ill,upsetorunderinflu-
enceofalcohol,drugs,ormedication.
Watchwhatyouaredoing;usecom-
monsense.
• Wearhearingprotection.
• Neverstartorruntheengineinside
aclosedroomorbuilding.Breathing
exhaustfumescankill.
• Keephandlesfreeofoilandfuel.
• Alwaysusethehandlebaranda
properlyadjustedshoulderstrap
withablade(seeASSEMBLY).
UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY
_WARNING: Stop unit and dis-
connect the spark plug before per-
forming maintenance (except carbure-
tor adjustments).
• Look for and replace damaged or
loose parts before each use. Look for
and repair fuel leaks before use. Keep
unit in good working condition.
• Throw away blades that are bent,
warped, cracked, broken, or damaged
in any other way. Replace trimmer
head parts that are cracked, chipped,
broken, or damaged in any other way
before using the unit.
• Maintain unit according to recom-
mended procedures. Keep blade
sharp. Keep cutting line at the proper
length.
• Use only 0.095 inch (2.4 mm) diame-
ter CraftsmanCR_ brand replacement
line. Never use wire, rope, string, etc.
• Install required shield properly before
using the unit. Use the metal shield
for all metal blade use. Use the plastic
shield for all line trimmer use.
• Use only specified blade or trimmer
head; make sure itis properly in-
stalled and securely fastened.
• Never start engine with clutch shroud
removed. The clutch can fly off and
cause serious injury.
• Be sure blade or trimmer head stops
turning when engine idles.
• Make carburetor adjustments with the
lower end supported to prevent blade
or trimmer line from contacting any
object. Hold unit by hand; do not use
the shoulder strap for support.
• Keep others away when making car-
buretor adjustments.
• Use only recommended Craftsman _R
accessories and replacement parts.
• Have all maintenance and service not
explained in this manual performed by
your Sears Service Center.
FUEL SAFETY
• Mix and pour fuel outdoors.
• Keep away from sparks or flames.
• Do not smoke or allow smoking near
fuel or the unit or while using the unit.
• Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all
fuel spills before starting engine.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters)
away from fueling site before start-
ing engine.
• Stop engine and allow it to cool be-
fore removing fuel cap.
• Empty the fuel tank before storing or
transporting the unit. Use up fuel left
in the carburetor by starting the en-
gine and letting it run until it stops.
• Store unit and fuel in area where fuel
vapors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
• Always store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.
CUTTING SAFETY
WARNING: Inspect the area to
be cut before each use. Remove ob-
jects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire,
string, etc.) which can be thrown or be-
come entangled in the blade or trimmer
head.
• Keep others including children, ani-
mals, bystanders, and helpers at least
50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop engine
immediately if you are approached.
• Always keep engine on the right-
hand side of your body.
• Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do
not overreach.
• Keep blade or trimmer head below
waist level. Do not raise engine
above your waist.
• Keep all parts of your body away
from blade, trimmer head, and muf-
fler when engine is running. A hot
muffler can cause serious burns.
• Cut from your left to your right.
Cutting on right side of the shield will
throw debris away from the operator.
• Use only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Use only for jobs explained in this
manual.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
• Stop the unit before carrying.
• Keep muffler away from your body.
• Allow the engine to cool and secure
the unit before storing or transport-
ing it in a vehicle.
• Empty the fuel tank before storing or
transporting the unit. Use up fuel left
in the carburetor by starting the en-
gine and letting it run until it stops.
• Store unit so the blade or line limiter
blade cannot accidentally cause in-
jury. The unit can be hung by the
shaft.
• Store unit out of reach of children.
This unit is not equipped with an anti-
vibration system and is intended for
occasional use only.
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gasoline
powered hand tools could cause blood
vessel or nerve damage in the fingers,
hands, and joints of people prone to cir-
culation disorders or abnormal swell-
ings. Prolonged use in cold weather has
been linked to blood vessel damage in
otherwise healthy people. If symptoms
occur such as numbness, pain, loss of
strength, change in skin color or texture,
or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands,
or joints, discontinue the use of this tool
and seek medical attention. An anti-
vibration system does not guarantee the
avoidance of these problems. Users
who operate power tools on a continual
and regular basis must monitor closely
their physical condition and the condi-
tion of this tool.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is equip-
ped with a temperature limiting muffler
and spark arresting screen which meets
the requirements of California Codes
4442 and 4443. All U.S. forest land and
the states of California, Idaho, Maine,
Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and
Washington require by law that many
internal combustion engines be
equipped with a spark arresting screen.
If you operate in a locale where such
regulations exist, you are legally re-
sponsible for maintaining the operating
condition of these parts. Failure to do so
is a violation of the law. For normal
homeowner use, the muffler and spark
arresting screen will not require any ser-
vice. After 50 hours of use, we recom-
mend that your muffler be serviced or
replaced by your Sears Service Center.
CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-
lowing list.
Model 358.795810
• Brushcutter
• Cupped washer
• Large nut for installing blades
• Hex wrench
• Handlebar
• Bracket cover
• Bracket cover screws (2)
• Metal blade shield
• Blade shield screws (4)
• 8-point brush blade
• Plastic shield
• Wing nut (screwed onto shield)
• Trimmer head (assembled on unit)
• Shoulder strap with warning
• Container of oil
Examine parts for damage. Do not
use damaged parts.
NOTE: If you need assistance or find
parts missing or damaged, call
1-800-235-5878.
It is normal for the fuel filter to rattle in
the empty fuel tank.
Finding fuel or oil residue on muffler is
normal due to carburetor adjustments
and testing done by the manufacturer.
ASSEMBLY
_WARNING: Always stop unit
and disconnect spark plug before per-
forming any assembly procedures.
_;;_WARNING: If received as-
sembled, repeat all steps to ensure
your unit is properly assembled and all
fasteners are secure.
TOOLS REQUIRED
• Hex Wrench (provided)
• Adjustable Wrench
• Phillips Screwdriver
ATTACHING THE HANDLEBAR
DANGER: To avoid serious inju-
ry, the barrier portion of the handlebar
must be installed as shown to provide a
barrier between operator and the spin-
ning blade.
1. Locate the decal on the handlebar.
This decal includes an arrow. Posi-
tion the handlebar with the mount-
ing bracket at the end of the arrow.
2. Position the bracket cover over the
handlebar. Again make sure the
handlebar is at the end of the arrow.
3. Insertscrewsandhandtighten
only.Besurethehandlebaris
installedcorrectly;then,tighten
eachscrewsecurelywiththehex
wrench.
Handlebart'_ Screw
BracketCover
Mounting
Bracket
ASSEMBLY OF SHOULDER STRAP
_WARNING: Proper shoulder
strap and handlebar adjustments must
be made with the engine completely
stopped before using unit.
1. Insert your right arm and head
through the shoulder strap and al-
low it to rest on your left shoulder.
Make sure the danger sign is on
your back and the hook is to the
right side of your waist.
NOTE: A one-half twist is built into the
shoulder strap to allow the strap to rest
flat on the shoulder.
2. Adjust the strap, allowing the hook
to be about 6 inches (15 cm) below
the waist.
3. Fasten the strap hook to the clamp
located between the trigger handle
and the handlebar clamp base and
lift the tool to the operating position.
4. Try on shoulder strap and adjust
for fit and balance before starting
the engine or beginning a cutting
operation.
NOTE: It may be necessary to relo-
cate the shoulder strap clamp on the
shaft for proper balancing of unit.
TO RELOCATE SHOULDER STRAP
CLAMP:
1. Loosen and remove both clamp
screws.
2. Place the upper shoulder strap
clamp over the shaft.
3. Position the lower shoulder strap
clamp under the shaft and align
the upper and lower clamp screw
holes.
Upper Shoulder
Strap Clamp
Strap Clamp
Lower Shoulder I l
4. Insert two screws into the screw
holes.
5. Secure shoulder strap clamp by
tightening screws with a hex
wrench.
(15 cm) 4 - 12 inches
below -,,..-,_. (10 - 30 cm)
waist 30 inches above
CONFIGURING YOUR UNIT
You can configure your unit using a cut-
ting head for grass and light weeds, or
a brush blade for cutting grass, weeds,
and brush up to 1/2 inch (1 cm) in
diameter. To assemble your unit, go to
the section for the desired configuration
and follow the instructions.
Screws
HARNESS
ADJUSTMENT
FOR BALANCE
(76 c_eS_ und
30 inches
(76 cm)
ASSEMBLY INFORMATION -
TRIMMER HEAD
_} RIMMER
HEAD
NOTE: Remove the blade and metal
shield before attaching the plastic shield
and trimmer head. To remove blade,
align hole in the dust cup with the hole
in the side of the gearbox by rotating
the dust cup. Insert a small screwdriv-
er into aligned holes. This will keep the
shaft from turning while loosening the
blade nut. Remove blade nut by turning
clockwise. Remove the screwdriver=
Remove both washers and blade. To
remove metal shield, loosen and re-
move the four mounting screws. See
Aqq-ACHINGTHE METAL SHIELD and
INSTALLATIONOF THE METAL BLADE for
illustrations= Be sure to store all parts
and instructions for future use.
INSTALLATION OF THE TRIMMER
HEAD (if not already installed)
NOTE: Before installing the trimmer
head, make sure the dust cup and re-
taining washer are positioned on the
shaft of the gearbox. The retaining
washer must be positioned with the
raised section toward the gearbox.
1= Align hole in the dust cup with the
hole in the side of the gearbox by
rotating the dust cup.
2= Insert a small screwdriver into
aligned holes. This will keep the
shaft from turning while tightening
trimmer head.
3. While holding the screwdriver in
position, thread trimmer head onto
the shaft by turning counterclock-
wise. Tighten until secure.
_ Gearbox
I
_- Dust Cup
Cutting Head _ Washer
4. Remove the screwdriver.
ATTACHING THE PLASTIC SHIELD
AO&WARNING: The shield must be
properly installed. The shield provides
partial protection from the risk of
thrown objects to the operator and
others and is equipped with a line lim-
iter blade which cuts excess line to the
proper length. The line limiter blade
(on underside of shield) is sharp and
can cut you.
1. Remove wing nut from shield.
2. Insert bracket into slot on shield.
3. Pivot shield until bolt passes
through hole in bracket.
4. Tighten the wing nut securely.
Shield
ASSEMBLY INFORMATION -
BRUSH BLADE
_,-_ Retaining
t
O RUSH
BLADE
Screwdriver
NOTE: Make sure all parts are prop-
erly installed as shown in the illustra-
tion before installing the trimmer head.
NOTE: Remove the trimmer head and
plastic shield before attaching the metal
shield and installing the brush blade. To
remove the trimmer head, align hole in
the dust cup with tile hole in the side of
7
thegearboxbyrotatingthedustcup.
Insertasmallscrewdriverintoaligned
holes.Thiswillkeeptheshaftfromturn-
ingwhilelooseningthetrimmerhead.
Removethetrimmerheadbyturning
clockwise.Removethescrewdriver.To
removetheplasticshield,loosenand
removewingnut.Pivotshieldtore-
leasebracketfromslot.SeeINSTALLA-
TIONOFTHECUTTINGHEADandAT-
TACHINGTHEPLASTICSHIELDfor
illustrations.Besuretostoreallparts
andinstructionsforfutureuse.Never
usethetrimmerheadwiththemetal
bladeinstalled.
ATTACHING THE METAL SHIELD
_WARNING: The metal shield
must be properly installed on the tool
anytime the tool is used with a blade.
The forward tip of the metal shield
helps to reduce the occurrence of
blade thrust which can cause serious
injury such as amputation to the oper-
ator or bystanders. Failure to install
the shield in the position shown can
result in serious injury to the operator.
The length of the shield must be
aligned with the length of the shaft.
1. Place the metal shield under the
gearbox, and all n the screw holes.
parts must be purchased at Sears and
installed as shown below. Failure to use
proper parts can cause the blade to fly
off and seriously hurt you or others.
NOTE: The dust cup and retaining
washer are located on the gearbox
shaft and not in the parts bag. All other
fasteners mentioned in the following as-
sembly steps are in the parts bag.
1. Remove the retaining washer from
the threaded shaft of the gearbox.
Leave the dust cup on the shaft.
2. Install the blade and the retaining
washer over the threaded shaft.
3. Make sure the raised part of the
retaining washer is facing the
gearbox and the raised area fits
into the hole in the center of the
blade.
4. Slide the blade and retaining wash-
er onto the shaft of the gearbox.
NOTE: When installing brush
blade, ensure side of blade with de-
cal is facing gearbox and points of
blade will rotate counterclockwise
(see illustration).
8-POINT BLADE
DECAL SIDE OF
BLADE MUST
FACE GEARBOX
I}"I}
I
Shield ' '_
2. Insert and thread the 4 mounting
screws through the holes of the
gearbox and the metal shield.
Tighten evenly and securely with
the hex wrench provided.
INSTALLATION OF THE METAL
BLADE
WARNING: Wear protective
gloves when handling or performing
maintenance on the blade to avoid inju-
ry. The blade is sharp and can cut you
even when it is not moving.
Ai_WARNING: Do not use any
blades, or fastening hardware other
than the washers and nuts shown in the
following illustrations. Replacement
5. Place the cupped washer onto the
shaft. Make sure the cupped side
of the washer is toward the blade.
6. Install the blade nut by threading
onto the shaft counterclockwise.
rbox
Retah_ing _
Washer _
Cupped _
Washer _-'_ Nut
de
NOTE: Make sure all parts are in place
as illustrated, and the blade is sand-
wiched between the dust cup and the
retaining washer. There should be no
space between the blade and the dust
cup or the retaining washer.
7. Align hole in dust cup with hole in
side of gearbox by rotating the
blade.
8. Insert a small screwdriver into
aligned holes. This will keep the
shaft from turning while tightening
the blade nut.
Screwdriver _
KNOW YOUR BRUSHWACKER
READ THiS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
UNIT. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of
the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
T_ih ield Shaft jHandlebar
Line Limiter
Blade
9. Tighten blade nut firmly with a
wrench while holding screwdriver in
position.
10. Remove the screwdriver.
11. Turn blade by hand. If the blade
binds against the shield, or appears
to be uneven, the blade is not cen-
tered, and you must reinstall.
NOTE: To remove blade, insert screw-
driver into aligned holes. Unthread the
nut and remove parts. Be sure to store
parts and instructions for future use.
ON/OFF Switch
Starter Handle
Primer Bulb
/
Blade
ON/OFF SWITCH
The ON/OFF SWITOH is used to stop tile
engine. Move the switch to the OFF
position to stop the engine.
PRIMER BULB
The PRIMER BULB removes air from
the carburetor and fuel lines and fills
them with fuel. This allows you to start
the engine with fewer pulls on the
starter rope. Activate the primer bulb
by pressing it and allowing it to return
to its original form.
Muffler
START LEVER
The STARTLEVER helps to supply fuel
to the engine to aid in starting. Activate
the starting system by moving the start
lever to the START position. DO NOT
squeeze the throttle trigger until the en-
gine has started and runs. After the en-
gine starts, allow the engine to warm-
up 5 seconds, then fully squeeze the
throttle trigger to deactivate the starting
system (start lever returns to RUN posi-
tion).
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
_,WARNING: Be sure to read
the fuel information in the safety rules
before you begin. If you do not under-
stand the safety rules, do not attempt
to fuel your unit. Call 1-800-235-5878.
FUELING ENGINE
_WARNING: Remove fuel cap
slowly when refueling.
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good
quality synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled en-
gine oil. We recommend Craftsman
brand synthetic oil. Mix gasoline and
oil at a ratio of 40:1. A 40:1 ratio is ob-
tained by mixing 3.2 ounces of oil with
1 gallon of unleaded gasoline. In-
cluded with this brushcutter is a 3.2
ounce container of oil. Pour the entire
contents of this container into 1 gallon
of gasoline to achieve the proper fuel
mixture. DO NOT USE automotive oil or
marine oil. These oils will cause en-
gine damage. When mixing fuel, fol-
low instructions printed on container.
Once oil is added to gasoline, shake
container momentarily to assure that the
fuel is thoroughly mixed. Always read
and follow the safety rules relating to
fuel before fueling your unit.
IMPORTANT
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, empty the
fuel system before storage for 30 days
or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next season.
Never use engine or carburetor clean-
er products in the fuel tank or perma-
nent damage may occur.
See the STORAGE section for addition-
al information.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• Release the throttle trigger.
• Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF
position.
ON/OFF Switch
HOW TO START YOUR UNIT
'_ WARN IN G : Avoid any contact
with tile muffler. A hot muffler can cause
serious burns.
e'_:7_'!_ Starting Position
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
NOTE: DO NOT squeeze tile throttle
trigger until the engine has started and
runs.
1. Set unit on a flat surface.
2. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON
position.
3. Slowly press the primer bulb 6
times.
4. Move the start lever to the START
position.
Start
Primer
Muffler
5. This unit has the Sim-pul" starting
system. You do not have to pull the
starter rope handle sharply or brisk-
ly. Pull starter rope handle with a
controlled and steady motion until
engine starts and runs.
6. Allow unit to run for 5 seconds, then
fully squeeze the throttle trigger to
disengage the starting system (start
lever returns to RUN position).
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
1. Move ON/OFF switch to the ON
position.
2. Squeeze and hold the throttle trig-
ger. Keep throttle trigger fully
squeezed until engine runs
smoothly.
3. Pull starter rope handle with a con-
trolled and steady motion while
squeezing throttle trigger until en-
gine starts and runs.
NOTE: Normally, the warm starting
procedure can be used within 5-10
minutes after the unit is turned off. If
the unit sits for more than 10 minutes
without being used, it will be neces-
sary to start the unit by following the
steps under STARTING A COLD EN-
10
GINEorfollowingthestartinginstruc-
tionstepsshownontheunit.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
Flooded engines can be started by
placing the ON/OFF switch in the ON
position. Move the start lever to the
RUN position and fully squeeze throttle
trigger. Pull the starter handle repeat-
edly while squeezing throttle trigger
until engine starts and runs. This
could require pulling the starter handle
many times, depending on how badly
the unit is flooded.
If the unit still doesn't start, refer to
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call
1-800-235-5878.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To maximize operating efficiency, do
not run the engine for longer than 1
minute at a time at full throttle.
OPERATING POSITION
ALWAYS WEAR:
Hearing
Protection
Long Pants
Boots
Cut only from your left to your right,
When operating unit, clip shoulder
strap onto clamp, stand as shown and
check for the following:
• Wear eye protection, hearing protec-
tion and heavy clothing.
• Extend your left arm and hold han-
dlebar grip with your left hand.
• Hold throttle grip with your right hand
with finger on throttle trigger.
• Hold unit so that engine is below
waist level.
• Keep shoulder strap pad centered
on your left shoulder and danger
sign centered on your back.
• Maintain full weight of tool on your
left shoulder.
• Out only from your left to your right to
ensure debris is thrown away from
you. Without bending over, keep the
blade or trimmer head near and par-
allel to the ground and not crowded
into material being cut.
Eye Protection
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USE WITH TRIMMER HEAD
_WARNING: Always wear eye
protection. Never lean over the trimmer
head. Rocks or debris can ricochet or
be thrown into eyes and face and
cause blindness or other serious injury.
Before trimming, bring engine to a
speed sufficient to cut material to be
trimmed.
Do not run the engine at a higher speed
than necessary. The cutting line will cut
efficiently when the engine is run at less
than full throttle. At lower speeds, there
is less engine noise and vibration. The
cutting line will last longer and will be
less likely to "weld" onto the spool.
Always release the throttle trigger and
allow the engine to return to idle
speed when not cutting.
HOW TO STOP YOUR UNIT
• Release the throttle trigger.
• Move ON/OFF switch to the OFF
position.
TRIMMER LINE ADVANCE
The trimmer line will advance approxi-
mately 2 inches (5 cm) each time the
bottom of the trimmer head is tapped
on the ground with the engine running
at full throttle. The most efficient line
length is the maximum length allowed
by the line limiter. Always keep the
shield in place when the tool is being
operated.
To advance line:
• Operate the engine at full throttle.
• Hold the trimmer head parallel to
and above the grassy area.
• Tap the bottom of the trimmer head
lightly on the ground one time. Ap-
proximately 2 inches (5 cm) of line
will be advanced with each tap.
Always tap the trimmer head on a
grassy area. Tapping on surfaces such
as concrete or asphalt can cause ex-
cessive wear to the trimmer head.
If the line is worn down to 2 inches (5
cm) or less, more than one tap will be
required to obtain the most efficient line
length.
_,WARNING: Use only 0.095 inch
(2.4 ram) diameter line. Other sizes of
line will not advance properly and will
result in improper cutting head func-
tion or can cause serious injury. Do
not use other materials such as wire,
string, rope, etc. Wire can break off
during cutting and become a danger-
ous missile that can cause serious in-
jury.
11
CUTTINGMETHODS
_WARNING: Use minimum
speed and do not crowd the line when
cutting around hard objects (rock,
gravel, fence posts, etc.), which can
damage the trimmer head, become
entangled in the line, or be thrown
causing a serious hazard.
• The tip of the line does the cutting.
You will achieve the best perform-
ance and minimum line wear by not
crowding the line into the cutting
area. The right and wrong ways are
shown below.
Tip of the line Line crowded into
does the cutting, work area.
Right Wrong
• The line will easily remove grass
and weeds from around walls,
fences, trees and flower beds, but it
also can cut the tender bark of trees
or shrubs and scar fences.
• For trimming or scalping, use less
than full throttle to increase line life
and decrease head wear, especially:
• During light duty cutting.
• Near objects around which the line
can wrap such as small posts,
trees or fence wire.
TRIMMING - Hold the bottom of the
trimmer head about 3 inches (8 cm)
above the ground and at an angle. Al-
low only the tip of the line to make
contact with vegetation. Do not force
trimmer line into work area.
Trimming
3 inches (8 cm
above ground
SCALPING - The scalping technique
removes unwanted vegetation down to
the ground. Hold the bottom of the trim-
mer head about 3 inches (8 cm) above
the ground and at an angle. Allow the
tip of the line to strike the ground
around trees, posts, monuments, etc.
This technique increases line wear.
Scalping
MOWING - Your trimmer is ideal for
mowing in places conventional lawn
mowers cannot reach. In the mowing
position, keep the line parallel to the
ground. Avoid pressing the head into
the ground as this can scalp the
ground and damage the tool.
j._ Mowing
SWEEPING - The fanning action of the
rotating line can be used to blow away
loose debris from an area. Keep the line
parallel to and above the area surface
and swing the tool from side to side.
"_ Sweeping
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USE WITH BRUSH BLADE
• Blade Thrust is a reaction that only
occurs when using a bladed unit. This
reaction can cause serious injury
such as amputation. Carefully study
this section. It is important that you
understand what causes blade thrust,
how you can reduce the chance of its
occurring, and how you can remain in
control of unit if blade thrust occurs.
• WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST -
Blade Thrust can occur when the
spinning blade contacts an object that
it does not cut. This contact causes
the blade to stop for an instant and
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